Died On This Date (February 12, 2015) Steve Strange / Lead Singer Of Visage
themusicsover Steve Strange (Born Steven Harrington)
May 28, 1959 – February 12, 2015
Steve Strange is perhaps best remembered as the front man for the popular ’80s new wave band, Visage. Like many young people in the UK during the mid ’70s, Strange couldn’t resist the pull of punk rock. After witnessing a Sex Pistols show in 1976, he began setting up gigs for punk bands in and around his Welsh neighborhood. Soon thereafter, he formed his own punk band, the Moors Murderers that counted future Pretenders leader Chrissie Hynde and future Clash drummer, Topper Headon, as members during it’s rather short lifespan. Strange soon moved to London where he worked for Malcolm McLaren before forming Visage in 1978. The group helped pioneer the New Romantic movement which also included such acts as Duran Duran, Culture Club and Spandau Ballet. Visage’s second single, 1980’s “Fade To Grey,” was a big hit across the UK and beyond. More hit singles and albums followed until Strange closed the initial chapter on the band in 1985. During the late ’80s and early ’90s, Strange developed into a popular club DJ, helping to popularize the trance movement in its early days. In 2004, he reformed Visage which continued on in one form or another through the remainder of his life. Steve Strange passed away following a heart attack on February 12, 2015. He was 55.
What You Should Own
Gerry Goffin was arguably America’s most prolific hit lyricist. During the second half of the 20th century, no fewer than 50 songs that he penned the lyrics for made the Top 40. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Goffin married Carole King who also happened to be his song writing partner throughout the ’60s. As part of the legendary Brill Building collective, Goffin and King wrote such pop and rock standards as “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Take Good Care Of My Baby,” “The Loco-Motion,” “Go Away Little Girl,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunshine.” The seemingly endless list of artists who made their songs into hits includes 
Eydie Gormé was an American vocalist who, with her longtime husband and singing partner, Steve Lawrence, made some of the most popular recordings of the mid-20th century. Born in New York City, Gormé made her first record fronting the Tommy Tucker Orchestra in 1950. During her early years, Gormé worked with several big bands including that of the great Tex Beneke. In 1953, she appeared on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen, which kicked her career into high gear. She also met Lawrence who was also booked on the show that day. The couple went on to become one of Las Vegas’ must enduring live acts while making countless television appearances and numerous albums. She and Lawrence were presented with a Grammy in 1957 and Gormé earned a second one in 1967. Throughout her career, she released some 50 singles – solo and with Lawrence – many of which charted. Her most popular recording was 1962’s “Blame It On The Bossa Nova.” Gormé began blogging on her website in 2006 and continued to perform until she retired in 2009. Eydie Gormé was 84 when she passed away on August 10, 2013. 
Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor-come-singer who is best remembered for portraying popular high school quarterback/glee club stand-out, Finn Hudson, in Fox Television’s widely popular program, Glee. Balancing the fine line between big-man-on-campus as the leading jock and social outcast as a member of the school’s glee club, Monteith brought compassion and idealism to a role that attempted to break down teenage stereotypes while examining social caste systems. The show’s break-out first season of 2009 almost single-handedly changed the focus of school vocal groups around the world by featuring choral treatments of and dynamic dance routines to some of pop music’s biggest hits. The cast’s first hit, the pilot’s rousing version of Journey‘s “Don’t Stop Believin,” became an internet sensation and brought the song back to the top of the charts for the first time since it’s 1981 release while selling over a million copies. Monteith provided co-lead vocals with cast mate and real life girlfriend, Lea Michele. Other stand-out tracks that featured Monteith on lead or co-lead included Rick Springfield‘s “Jessie’s Girl,” the Doors‘ “Hello, I Love You,” and Queen‘s “Somebody To Love.” On July 13, 2013, 31-year-old Cory Monteith, was found dead in a Vancouver, Canada hotel room. According to official reports released on July 16th, , he died from an accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol.